Dog, Dog Food
Diabetic Dog Food
A Guide to Diabetic Dog Food When your dog is diagnosed with diabetes, it can be a worrying time and often it’s difficult to know what to do. However, diabetes in dogs is something that is manageable with proper diet and care. We can’t stress enough that your vet’s advice is vital when caring for a diabetic dog. Always consult them when making changes to your diabetic dog’s diet or lifestyle.
What are the Symptoms of Diabetes in a Dog?
Early indicators that your dog may be suffering from diabetes include:
- Change in appetite
- Dehydration or increased thirst
- Weight loss
- Unusually sweet-smelling or fruity breath
- Lack of energy or lethargy
- Urinary tract infections or increased urination
- Vomiting
- Change in mood / depressed attitude
Advanced symptoms of diabetes in dogs include:
- Cataract formation that can lead to blindness
- Seizures
- Kidney failure
- Chronic skin infections
If you start to notice any of these symptoms in your dog then it’s best to take them to the vet with your concerns as soon as possible.
What Do You Feed a Diabetic Dog?
The first step when looking for food for your diabetic dog should always be to consult with your vet. There are a few types of food that most veterinarians will recommend for diabetic dogs. They will suggest dog foods that are lower in calories and lower in fat and often foods with higher fibre content. If you’ve read our guide to dog food you’ll hopefully know all about the importance of protein in a dog’s diet. Protein is just as important, if not more important, for dogs with diabetes. The danger in looking for low-calorie dog food is that the protein content is sometimes reduced in order to cut down on calories. This is not good for your dog so strive to find foods that are low in calories but still contain plenty of quality protein.
Can I Give Treats to My Diabetic Dog?
Of course, dog food isn’t all that goes into your dog’s diet, and the treats you feed them need to be adjusted too. Diabetic dogs are perfectly fine to have treats, but it’s important to select your choice of treat carefully. High-calorie or sugary treats should be avoided altogether in favour of treats with high protein and fibre contents. Browse our grain-free dog treats and our natural dog treats in our online store for plenty of great options that are suitable for diabetic dogs. Hide chews are also a great high-protein dog treat but make sure they have plenty of water to keep them hydrated.
What are the Best Diabetic Dog Food Brands?
There are very few dog food brands out there that cater specifically to dogs with diabetes but there are plenty of choices that are suitable for diabetic dogs. Most high-quality dog foods will be fine for a diabetic dog as they tend to contain lower calories and contain high-quality ingredients with plenty of protein. Here are our choices for the best diabetic dog food UK:
Orijen Dog Food
All the Orijen dog food range is rich in protein all full of fresh whole meats that are both tasty and healthy for your dog. Specially formulated ratios of fresh meat, organs, and cartilage plus whole fish and whole eggs provide a natural source of virtually every nutrient your dog needs. Any of the Orijen range will make great diabetic dog food but make sure to double-check with your vet for professional recommendations if you have any doubts.
Acana Dog Food
Acana dog food is low in carbohydrates and has low-calorie content across its range compared to most other brands. This high-protein cobb chicken and greens variety is full of nourishing flavours and is completely preservative-free. The low calorie and high protein content make Acana a perfect choice for diabetic dogs and they’re bound to enjoy the taste! As always, we advise that you get help from your vet when deciding on a diet for your diabetic dog.
Orijen and Acana are our top recommendations on the best diabetic dog food UK-wide. In truth, any dog food with high-quality ingredients that has a high protein and fibre content without having too many calories is going to be ideal for a dog with diabetes. Do remember to always consult your vet first to make sure your choice of food is suitable for your individual dog’s needs.
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